What is it that frightens you in life? It seems that lots of folks I talk with are living in a state of fear. They are afraid of the changes in our society, in our government, in the economic stability of our nation, of losing their jobs, of losing their health or of just getting older.

How much do you talk to God about your fears? Prayer is one of the ways we let God know what is on our hearts. It is also a way to take a closer look at our fears and our own limitations and put them into perspective with God's power.

Most folks will agree this is true, but most of us tend to forget too soon, and are like the little boy the minister asked, "Do you say your prayers to God each night?"

"Yes, sir," the boy replied.

"And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the minister asked.

"No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't afraid in the daytime."

You see, we at times are overwhelmed by our fears and quickly cry out to God, but as soon as the emergency passes we forget. We not only forget the emergency, but we forget to continue to talk with God.

Notice what the apostle Paul wrote to people just like us — and don't forget that he was in prison and not sure if he would live or die when he wrote it:

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).

Let me suggest that you don't fall into the trap of calling upon God only when you are afraid. Rather, make it a daily practice to talk with him and share your needs, but also thank him for all he has done! If you will do that, you will find it much easier to "experience God's peace"!

Be not dismayed!
One of my favorite hymns is titled, "God Will Take Care of You." Notice the first line and words of the chorus:

Be not dismayed whate'er betide,
God will take care of you;
beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,
through every day, o'er all the way;
he will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Don't be afraid — "Be not dismayed" — rather, share your concerns and fears with the only one who can truly protect you! "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you" (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).